3 Ways You Can Positively Impact the Immigration Problem Right Now

Unless you live under a rock, you have probably heard of this issue known as immigration. Our country is at its wit’s end; yet another subject that seems to be causing more division among Americans. Even people from other countries are watching what we are doing here in the States, judging our every move and throwing in their two cents. Regardless of your stance on the issue, there is one thing that we can agree on…people feel helpless. We have elected officials to represent us in our government and they are the ones tasked with the responsibility of sitting down and discussing these issues and coming up with a resolution that works across the board. While this has proven to be a challenge, we all know it’s not impossible. I firmly believe if our elected officials put their partisan political agendas aside and truly put the best interests of these immigrants as well as the American people first, a resolution would be simple. As it stands, the officials we have entrusted the wellbeing of our families as well as our country to seem to be incapable of compromise and that is truly disheartening.

I have read at least 50+ articles from various news organizations on this topic, all coming from different perspectives presenting different points on the matter. I have discussed with friends on social media various ideas and viewpoints, brainstorming amongst ourselves some things that might work; compromises that may help…trying to find solutions that seem to evade our elected officials. You see, when you have no agenda and when the best interest of other human beings is your sole motivation, finding solutions is easy. My friends and I may not be professional politicians or even the smartest people on the subject, but we do truly care about finding solutions that work for everyone. That seems to be all that is needed and what is sadly lacking on the Hill.

As we sit back and watch this all unfold in front of us, many feel overwhelmed with guilt and a sense of helplessness. Realistically, we can’t all just uproot our lives and move to the border to volunteer, but there are things we can do and that is what I wanted to share with you today. Here are a few things we can do to help positively impact the immigration issue right now:

Stop All of the Divisive Blabber

Y’all know what this means. This is an emotionally heated topic and there are an infinite number of viewpoints with everyone thinking theirs is right. Let me clue you in on something: An argument on Facebook has never changed someone’s mind. People feel strongly about their convictions and will hold true to them come hell or high water. The goal of posting about these issues on social media should be to open up a dialogue that presents and respects all viewpoints. You don’t have to agree with everything someone posts, but you do have to be respectful and contribute to the discussion in a positive manner. Anything else is just divisive and destructive and counterproductive. Like Momma always said, “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.” My momma also said, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Demeaning others with insults and condescending blabber is exactly what Satan wants. We play into his hands every time we buy into this. We’ve got to be better. Solutions can be found when we set our differences aside and compromise. End of sermon.

Educate Yourself, Then Contact Your Government Officials

There is strength in numbers. It is our votes that put these government officials in office, it is our taxpayer dollars that pay their salaries, and therefore it needs to be our voices holding them accountable when they are doing less than they should. We cannot sit idly by while they continue to collect a paycheck for doing nothing. Educate yourself on the issues and always have your elected official’s contact information on hand. Send them a strongly worded email, make a phone call, schedule an appointment to talk with them directly if at all possible…whatever you feel comfortable doing, but do something. And get your friends and family to contribute as well. As Edmund Burke said, “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”

Pray

If you are a frequent reader of my blog posts you should have seen this one coming a mile away. Now, I know there are those out there who jump on the bandwagon saying “Thoughts and prayers never changed a thing”…I beg to differ. I as well as many I know have experienced first-hand the power of prayer in our lives so, to those on the wagon, I encourage you to give it a try. Lysa TerKeurst said it best: “We don’t have to have all the answers, we just have to stay connected to the One who does.” She also reminds us that “God’s hand is never limited by what we have in ours.” All things are possible through God. All things. Not some things or this thing or that thing…ALL things. He will ultimately have the final say in all of this, so why not pray and ask for help in doing His will in today’s world? We can certainly use all the help we can get.

Another point to ponder is this: We are given this incredibly difficult situation to deal with and we are also called to see Christ in all people. I see this as a perfect opportunity to step out of our comfort zones and put these words into action. We are given an opportunity to serve God through the service of others…We see this in Matthew 25:37-40, “When, Lord, did we ever see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? When did we ever see you, a stranger, and welcome you in our homes, or naked and clothe you? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you? The King will reply,’ I tell you whenever you did this for one of the least important of these followers of mine, you did it for me.’ ” Seems pretty simple to me.

Can we solve the immigration issue overnight? No. But there certainly are ways we can help keep it moving in a positive direction. We as Americans have a responsibility to do all we can to find a solution to this issue that provides for the needs of these immigrants and keeps our citizens safe. This is not impossible if we can manage to put our pride aside, compromise, and work towards a common goal. Let’s lead by example and show Congress how it’s done. Let’s show them that we are tired of the arguing and fighting. It’s time to take action and it starts with us. What are you willing to do?